The girls came back from their dad’s yesterday evening — and they brought the grump with them.

They were so tired and cranky, like they’d just completed a weekend-long toddler marathon. Piper was whining, Aubree was fussing, and I was already reaching for the grilled cheese supplies. Gourmet, I know.

After dinner, Piper passed out almost instantly. Aubree took a little longer, but eventually gave in too. I crashed early, happy to have them back in the house — and even happier when we all slept in until about 10:30 this morning.

Honestly, I don’t think they sleep that well over there. Their dad says they do, but they come home looking like they’ve been through toddler boot camp with zero naps and a juice box shortage. Just saying.

Today’s been soft but full.

Piper’s been bouncing between running around like a wild woman and crawling into my lap every ten minutes like a clingy baby koala. I think she missed us — me and her Mimi and Papa.

Aubree’s kept to her favorites — her beloved rocking chairs and the TV. She’s in regulation mode, rocking like it’s her day job, completely in her zone.

Meanwhile, I’ve been trying to do things around the house — or at least the caulking around the windows and sliding doors. I’ve been sanding, wood filling, and trying to prep for paint. My daddy, bless him, can fix just about anything… but caulking is not one of those gifts. I had to scrape off a good bit and redo it because, well, it looked like if someone iced a birthday cake while blindfolded.

Also? I finally confronted their dad about that Kroger card mystery — you know, the one that was mysteriously used to buy yeast meds and condoms. I did that when I dropped them off on Friday.
He swears he didn’t use my card.
He did not, however, deny making the purchase or that he’s seeing someone.

I’m not mad about him dating — I told him I didn’t expect him to wait for me.
But the man gave a whole speech about how he would wait forever if I needed him to. So finding out “forever” meant about a month and a grocery run feels… convenient.

Anyway. Moving on.

In the middle of all that, I’ve started working out again with my Meta Quest — shoutout to the Supernatural app for kicking my butt in the nicest way. I took a break yesterday, but I’ll be back at it today. Might even try Pilates, if I’m feeling brave (and my legs forgive me for what I’ve already put them through).

It’s not much. But it’s something just for me.
And in a day full of sanding, toddler emotions, and post-weekend cleanups, that little spark matters.

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🌟 Final Thought:

Today was about showing up.
To fix what needed fixing, hold the babies who needed holding, and gently call out the man who thinks gaslighting is a love language.

Not glamorous.
Not exciting.
But still worth it.